In light of the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, State Representative Louis Riggs, a Republican from Hannibal, is leading efforts to ensure that Missouri’s workforce can adapt successfully to these changes. Riggs chairs the Special House Committee on Workforce Innovation and Technology, and has expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges posed by new technologies and their implications for employment in the state.
Speaking to Missourinet, Riggs articulated the pressing need for Missouri to "get ahead of Artificial Intelligence – what it’s going to do for us and also to us." He emphasised the necessity of enhancing internet infrastructure, stating that AI is placing unprecedented demands on existing systems. "I’m talking to my internet providers and it’s all about speed because AI is taxing the systems in a way they never dreamt possible," he noted. This highlights a dual challenge: the need for technological adaptation while simultaneously preparing the workforce for a changing economic landscape.
A significant component of Riggs' initiative focuses on enabling adults to return to education and retrain for new job opportunities that AI and automation will create. He indicated that legislative changes may be necessary to facilitate this transition, stating, "To let our folks in government do their jobs in such a way that AI and whatever, you know, advances in technology, have made something obsolete." This approach aims to ensure that government policies remain responsive to the burgeoning technological landscape.
Furthermore, Riggs has highlighted the importance of accessibility to education, proposing that Missourians be assisted in enrolling for free online college classes through the state’s 23 job centres. He posed critical questions regarding the current state of education in Missouri, asking, "How do we educate people in place to make sure that they have the life skills in front of them, the ability to get an industry certification mid-career or retrain?" He pointed out the existence of "training deserts" across the state and called for enhanced resources at community colleges and career and technical centres to support workforce development.
The Special House Committee on Workforce Innovation and Technology is tasked with compiling recommendations for state lawmakers this year, intended to enhance Missouri's workforce capabilities in light of the growing influence of AI and automation on various industries. Riggs’ proactive measures reflect an ongoing discourse about the necessity of adapting business practices to ensure workforce preparedness in an age increasingly characterised by technological advancement.
Source: Noah Wire Services